Nikki Kaye

The 36-year-old Auckland Central MP issued a statement saying the news was devastating for her and her family.

On her Facebook page, Ms Kaye said she informed Prime Minister John Key on Friday and would be taking leave of absence from her ministerial roles.

"I feel so lucky to have such an amazing family and group of friends who are giving me buckets of love and have been so strong helping me work through this," she wrote.

"I also want to acknowledge the PM who has been hugely caring and supportive."

RNZ reports Ms Kaye said the ever present risk of natural hazards is something that both New Zealand and Samoa understand very well and the risk is part and parcel of living in the Pacific.

She said New Zealand and Samoa have a long and close relationship, and sharing expertise and experience on managing hazards and responding to disasters plays a central part in the relationship.

The minister is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and other senior government ministers and officials.